This website uses cookies primarily for visitor analytics. Certain pages will ask you to fill in contact details to receive additional information. On these pages you have the option of having the site log your details for future visits. Indicating you want the site to remember your details will place a cookie on your device. To view our full cookie policy, please click here. You can also view it at any time by going to our Contact Us page.

SHP: Dairy fined after explosion destroys cheese factory roof

22 August 2012

According to the Safety & Health Practitioner, a dairy firm has been fined £20,000 following a major explosion at its cheese factory in Cumbria.

The website says the incident took place at Aspatria Creamery in Aspatria on 29 July 2010. The explosion took place from the boiler house at the site and the force of the blast lifted the roof off the building.

''The boiler room was partially destroyed and debris was thrown more than 100 metres across the site,'' says SHP. ''Nobody was injured during the incident.

''An investigation by the HSE determined that a blocked vent on a water heating system, known as a calorifier, had caused the tank to explode. The calorifier could hold 9000 litres of water and was used to produce hot water for washing the dairy.

''Maintenance engineers at the site had been manually controlling the calorifier’s steam-supply valve, as the automatic control had broken. The vent pipe on the tank had become blocked due to a build up of calcium carbonate, which prevented the water from escaping when it became too hot. The pressure inside the tank continued to rise and the water temperature reached approximately 150OC before the tank exploded.

''The creamery’s owner, First Milk Cheese Company Ltd, appeared at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court on 15 August and pleaded guilty to breaching reg.15(2) of the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000, for failing to ensure the valve was free of obstructions. In addition to the fine, it was ordered to pay £36,064 in costs.

''Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Michael Griffiths said: “I hope this prosecution will act as a warning to any other company that uses hot water and steam systems to make sure they are properly maintained, so that incidents like this don't happen in the future."

E-mail this page

RELATED CONTENT...

The food industry is as vulnerable to hazardous risks as any other but the hygiene demands from retailers mean it has to be particularly careful. David Strydom asked several experts for their opinions.Full Story...

RELATED SPONSORED ARTICLES...

The food industry is as vulnerable to hazardous risks as any other but the hygiene demands from retailers mean it has to be particularly careful. David Strydom asked several experts for their opinions.Full Story...

MOST VIEWED...

Food glazes are widely used in the bakery sector to improve the look and taste of baked products. Traditionally, this coating process has resulted in substantial waste. Technology advances mean that this is no longer the case. Full Story...